April 30, 1935 - Sept. 29, 2012
ELKHART - Robert W. "Bob" Nilsen, 77, of Elkhart, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2012, at Greenleaf Living Center, surrounded by his family.
Bob was born on April 30, 1935, in Chicago to the late Einor and Gunvor Nilsen.
His wife, Chris Nilsen; sister Evelyn (Leonard) Bolinder; sons Rob (Elisa) Nilsen, John Nilsen and Michael Nilsen; and their mother, Royann (Stan) Cross, survive him. Also surviving are a granddaughter, Lindsay Nilsen; stepsons Martin (Jacqueline) Messick, Matthew (Cynthia) Messick and Michael (Cheryl) Messick; and step-grandchildren Zachary, Rosemary, Anna, Ashleigh and J.T. Messick.
Bob was a life member of the Elks and Christiana Creek Country Club. He was a member of Unity Church of Peace and served in the U.S. Army. He was a graduate of Valparaiso University, and spent his life in sales, including Allstate Insurance Co., Richardson Mobile Homes and Hoosier Distributing.
Please join with his family and friends as we gather at 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012, to celebrate the life of Bob Nilsen at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. The Rev. Sandy Vanik will officiate. The afternoon service will conclude with the folding and presentation of the United States Flag and playing of taps.
In keeping with Bob's request, cremation has taken place at Altera Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Unity Church of Peace or the Alzheimer's Association.
To share a memory of Bob or send a condolence to his family please visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com.